Thickening liquids for older adults is a vital practice for those with swallowing difficulties. The process helps people safely consume liquid goods by giving them better control as they swallow, reducing their risk of choking and aspiration.
While there are several options for thickening agents on the market, the process of creating this mixture is relatively similar, regardless of what liquid or agent you’re using:
- Determine the desired consistency.
- Prepare the liquid.
- Measure the desired liquid.
- Add the thickening agent.
- Stir thoroughly.
- Adjust the mixture as needed.
- Let it sit before serving.
Why Do We Thicken Liquids for Older Adults?
Thickening liquids refers to adjusting the consistency of beverages to make them safer to swallow. For older adults, thickened liquids can confirm that they receive the hydration and nutrients they need without compromising safety.
Thickening liquids can be necessary for those with dysphagia, a condition that affects the ability to swallow. Dysphagia can lead to serious complications like choking, aspiration pneumonia, and malnutrition if not appropriately managed.
The primary reason for thickening liquids is to prevent aspiration, which occurs when liquids enter the lungs instead of the stomach. Thickened liquids move more slowly, giving you better control over swallowing, reducing the risk of choking and aspiration, and safeguarding your health and well-being.
Thickening liquids isn’t a blanket requirement for all older adults. It’s specifically recommended for those diagnosed with conditions that can affect swallowing, like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of dementia.
Consulting a healthcare provider, or perhaps surprisingly, a speech pathologist, can help determine if thickened liquids are necessary for you or your loved one. Speech pathologists can more precisely assess and determine someone’s swallowing ability than medical doctors in some cases.
What Liquids Can Be Thickened?
Before thickening your liquid, it may be helpful to know some common examples of what we thicken:
- Water
- Tea and coffee
- Juice and carbonated drinks
- Milk and dairy-based drinks
- Soups and broths
Thickening agents can also be used for nutritional supplements and medications dissolved in liquid form. For specific recommendations on which agent is most suitable for your loved one’s needs, we suggest consulting with their healthcare professional or speech-language pathologist.
Types of Thickening Agents
In daily life, we most commonly associate thickening liquids with cooking soups, usually done by incorporating cornstarch or flour into the mixture. While the end goal is the same, this isn’t how we thicken liquids for older adults.
There are several other ways we can thicken liquids. Some of the most common agents include:
- Starch-based thickeners: These include cornstarch, potato starch, and rice starch. They are natural, readily available, affordable, and usually available in many households. They are usually easy to use but may change the color and taste of liquids.
- Gum-based thickeners: These include xanthan gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum. They don’t alter the appearance or flavor of liquids as much as starch-based thickeners but can be more expensive.
- Pre-thickened liquids: These are pre-mixed beverages available in different consistencies, such as nectar or honey-thick. They are convenient but may be more expensive and have limited flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Thickening Liquids
Begin by determining the desired consistency of the liquid. Consult with your loved one’s healthcare provider or speech pathologist to understand the level of thickness they may require (you can also ask your loved one their preferences).
Thickening agents generally come in three levels:
- Nectar-thick, which is similar to the consistency of nectar.
- Honey-thick, which is similar to the consistency of honey.
- Pudding-thick, which is similar to the consistency of pudding.
Start with a room temperature or chilled liquid and have it in a container ready for thickening. Avoid using hot liquids as they may cause clumping or burning.
Next, measure the desired liquid. Pour the liquid into a measuring cup to confirm you’re using the correct amount.
Then, add the thickening agent. Follow the instructions on the thickening agent’s packaging. For a nectar-thick consistency, you might need 1 tablespoon of thickener per 4 ounces of liquid.
Once the thickening agent is added to the liquid, stir thoroughly. Use a whisk or a fork to mix the thickener into the liquid. Make sure there are no lumps and the thickener is evenly distributed. This process may take about 5 to 10 minutes.
Once the agent and the liquid have been thoroughly mixed, wait and test the liquid before serving. Allowing the mixture to sit for a few minutes helps achieve the desired consistency.
Test the thickness by pouring the liquid; it should flow slowly and steadily.
Always take the time to adjust as necessary. If the liquid is too thin, add more thickener. If it’s too thick, dilute it with more liquid and mix again. Remember, it’s better for a liquid to be too thick than too liquidy.
Once the mixture is ready, serve it at the appropriate temperature. Some thickeners may change consistency when heated or cooled. Serve the mixture in a clear container or glass to monitor the thickness visually as your loved one consumes their food. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments.
As your loved one consumes their liquid, continue monitoring and following up with them to make sure they’re comfortable and can safely swallow it.
When to Consider Memory Care
If your loved one requires thickened liquids due to dysphagia, Parkinson’s, dementia, or other swallowing difficulties; it may be time to consider care options. Senior living communities with memory care programs, like Inspired Living at Alpharetta, are designed to provide specialized support for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which often correlate with swallowing challenges.
Our professional staff is trained and experienced in managing the dietary needs and safety requirements of residents who need thickened liquids. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands.
Connect with our team at Inspired Living at Alpharetta to schedule a tour of our memory care community.
